#mencallmethings: “frigid Stygian-witch”

Content note: misogyny

Quick bit of context: There’s news that filmmaker Michael Moore wants to make a movie about atheism and atheist comedians, featuring (sigh) Bill Maher, Seth MacFarlane, Ricky Gervais, and Sarah Silverman. I posted a brief series of tweets tagging Michael Moore, saying, “Re proposed ‘Kings of Atheism’: If it happens, please, PLEASE, have it include plenty of atheist women and atheists of color.” “Media representation of atheists typically is overwhelmingly white and male. Makes many atheists feel unwelcome in our community.” “In particular, Seth MacFarlane’s repeated, unrepentant sexism makes women atheists feel unwelcome when he represents atheism.” In the ensuing discussion, which included a list of several women comedians who might be good additions to the movie, I got this response:

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“Why not invite Janeane Garofalo, Julia Sweeney, Kathy Griffin? Could have been a more interesting atheist/com group”

“Besides the fact that they arent funny, but probably not as reactionary as frigid Stygian-witch Greta

Right. Because if you’re trying to convince the world that there isn’t a misogyny problem in atheism and there’s no need for a major media production about atheism to have diversity of gender and race, the best way to make your case is by calling women reactionary and frigid, and insulting them for being old. (I’m assuming that’s what the “Stygian-witch” bit was about.)

#mencallmethings

Note: The #mencallmethings hashtag does not say #allmencallmethings, or #mostmencallmethings. If you want to learn more about the history of this hashtag and why people started using it, please read But How Do You Know It’s Sexist? The #MenCallMeThings Round-Up and Why Are You In Such A Bad Mood? #MenCallMeThings Responds! on Tiger Beatdown, where the hashtag originated. And please do not start a “but not all men are like that, so the #mencallmethings hashtag is reverse sexism!” argument. That has been addressed, at length, in the comments in the #mencallmethings: “FUCKIN HOE,” “FUCKIN FEMINAZI SLUT” post, as well as elsewhere. Please read Why “Yes, But” Is the Wrong Response to Misogyny if you’re wondering why I will not take kindly that that particular line of conversation.

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#mencallmethings: “frigid Stygian-witch”
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9 thoughts on “#mencallmethings: “frigid Stygian-witch”

  1. 1

    Margaret Cho must be an atheist. She’s everything else! And is Kate Clinton, the recovering Catholic, still around? And what about Whoopie Goldberg?

    OT: I read that Susan Hutchison, head of the WA state Republican Party, commented when asked about Trump’s succession of foreign wives, “Well, there are just some jobs Americans won’t do.” It would be nice to see Trump arrested for sex trafficking…

  2. 2

    I have to admit, infuriating as it is that “frigid” is even a thing that’s still used to belittle women as if it’s in any way relevant to her worth as an interviewee or the value of her opinions, I find it absolutely hilarious when guys use it against passionate women with histories of particularly pervy publications. “That’s right, I didn’t even bother making a cursory google before coming to an opinion about her which is, by the way, none of my business anyway.” Misogyny totally isn’t a thing, though, right guys?

  3. 5

    I hope they include Rob Mungle. When he goes on rants, it’s awesome. The movie needs a couple of “Fuck your God!”s. But you’re right. I’d love to see some non-white and/or non-male comedians. You’d think Comedy Central would show more stand-up comedians. I know they did at one point. They should go back to that. Do you have some suggestions? They’re probably on YouTube somewhere.

  4. 7

    First thought – I’m sorry you receive obnoxious insults.

    Second thought – ‘frigid Stygian-witch’ doesn’t seem like a great insult. To me it sounds like a badass Dungeons and Dragons NPC for my next game….

  5. 8

    The first thing I thought of when I saw “Stygian witch” was the land of Stygia from the Conan mythos (basically a knock-off of Ancient Egypt). It’s the home of Conan’s arch-nemesis Thoth-Amon.

    I also agree that using the word “frigid” as a insult makes no sense at all.

  6. 9

    I would love to be called a frigid Stygian witch (I’d probably have to settle for being a frigid Stygian warlock, because sexist language, though). But I wouldn’t want to be called anything by someone of that low character, or even referred to by him.

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